Anderson so happy to be back in the mix

JAMES ANDERSON says it’s great to be back and among the wickets after he struck three times on the opening day of the second Test against India.

England endured a tough day in the field as the hosts dominated, closing on 317 for four following centuries from captain Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.

However, Anderson was the one bright spot for Alastair Cook’s men as he followed up his early dismissal of opener Murali Vijay with the scalps of Pujara, for 119, and Ajinkya Rahane in the final session.

Whatever the result of this match, the performance of England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in his first game back for three months following a shoulder injury bodes well for the rest of the series. “It was great to be back,” said Anderson. “I have spent the last two months working really hard to get back into the side. It’s been frustrating at times, but it’s been worth it.

“Getting back out there with the lads was a great feeling in itself but to get a few wickets on the board made it even better.

“I have missed it, I have missed playing and taking wickets. That sort of feeling

> you can’t get in any other walk of life – at least I struggle with it – so to get amongst it and get some wickets meant a lot.”

The 34-year-old’s entire winter was in doubt when the injury to his right shoulder blade, sustained in the first series of the summer against Sri Lanka, flared up again during the final Test against Pakistan at The Oval in August.

However, Anderson has battled back after initially being left out of the squad for this five-Test series and looked close to his best after coming into the side for Chris Woakes.

Anderson, who only arrived in India 13 days ago, said: “I always thought I would get out here for some part of it, but it was a surprise to a lot of people I got out here this early.

“That’s just the way it’s turned out, and I’m happy. It’s kind of just gone really well. The rehab has gone well, when I came back to bowling I progressed really quickly. They thought it would take time get back to full pace, but it took me less time and that’s why I came back.”

Anderson’s dismissal of Pujara broke a 226-run stand with Kohli, who finished the day unbeaten on 151.

It was hard work for all of England’s bowlers, but Anderson insists there has been no pain in his shoulder.

“To be honest I haven’t thought about the shoulder, it’s the rest of my body that’s in pieces right now,” he said.